In the beginning, there was darkness. Until Light for All arrived, and 15.2 million Brazilians were immediately transported to the 21st century. With the simple push of a button, they were free of candlelight, which impairs eyesight, and the smoke of lamp, which hinders breathing.

Then came the refrigerator, television, chilled water, hot baths, new jobs and income opportunities.

The arrival of electricity also facilitated the integration of social programs, and access to health, education, water supply and sanitation.

It is no coincidence that, according to research by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, more than 90% of those receiving benefits through the program guarantee: life became much better.

As a result of Light for All, schools have multiplied, the number of vacancies increased, night classes added. In warmer regions, fans and cold drinking water has made all the difference. The classes are more interactive and animated, with the contributions from electronic aids, such as television, DVD players and computers. Doing homework at night, with electric light instead of candle or lamp, has made learning easier, and the results are evident, as noted by farmer José Antonio da Silva, father of eight children and grandfather to seven, a resident of the quilombola community of Serra da Guia (Sergipe). "Their grades improved after the children began to study with the new light."